In general, Southern Thai food is known for its spiciness. Much of the cuisine has its origins in Malay, Indonesian and Indian food. Favourite dishes from the south include Indian-style Muslim curry (massaman), rice noodles in fish curry sauce (khanom jeen) and chicken with yellow rice.

• 7.7394198.7710981 Ae Fish BBQ. Extremely fresh seafood, deliciously cooked. Try the deep fried fish and chili.100–300 baht. (updated Mar 2023)
• Calamero Resto. A wide selection of breakfasts, fresh pasta, pizza, Thai food, sandwiches and more is complemented by fruit shakes, liqueurs and evening cocktails. And the best "fried ice-cream". All food is clean, good and cheap. 
• Cosmic. Italian restaurant with two outlets on the island. Serves pizza. The Thai food is disappointing.All pizzas cost 150 baht, all Thai dishes with rice cost 80 baht. 
• Papaya (small green shop restaurant opposite Reggae Bar, next to Tiger Bar). 17:00-. One of the first restaurants rebuilt after the tsunami. Run by the enthusiastic and friendly Mr Nod. Don't let the unprepossessing looks of the restaurant put you off as the food is good and a very good value. Serves authentic Thai food, hot and spicy as it should be, but the staff allow you to express the spiciness as percentage, with 100% being "Thai spicy". Among local expats living on the island, this place may be known as the place to get good cheap Thai food, but it's no longer the cheapest. If you are looking for a personal-sized portion with rice at a cheaper price ask for your food to be "on rice", otherwise portions are huge. Help yourself to the drinks in the fridge, which will be included on the bill, and check out the cat which lives in there. Papaya opens around 17:00 and, in high season, is packed by 18:00 or 19:00. Go early if you're not prepared to wait. 
• The Pirate's House. Great Indian and Western food, but the Thai food at this place is not the greatest. A bit pricey, but nice and clean. Be careful when you take a seat, it's very easy to hurt your knees on their heavy and impractical wooden tables. 
• Unni's. Wooden authentic Thai restaurant with a charming atmosphere. Serving quality western dishes and Thai classics. Australian imported beef, pork, steak and sausage set Unni's apart from the rest. (updated Feb 2020)
• Khun Niyom. A chain of three stalls found on the Koh Phi street market, Khun Niyom offers some of the greatest tasting Thai dishes on the island. There is a wide menu selection and delicious smoothies and fruit shakes. The stalls are often busy, with long waiting times, it can be tough to get a seat here. (updated Feb 2020)